[daveshan]

I had the same issue with the front 12v socket with several of my adapters. I purchased this one, and it worked. Has a 30w USB-C and an 18w USB-A slot.

https://www.anker.com/products/varia...arger/A2229011

[NeverEnough007]

Seems pretty stupid to have 2 different sized sockets. None of my accessories have ever had a problem fitting into any of the cars plugs I have been in until now. Seems to be common for the new BMW’s to have the somewhat useless front plug.

12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size A:
Receptacle inside diameter: 20.93–21.01 mm (median 20.97 mm)
Plug body diameter: 20.73–20.88 mm (median 20.805 mm)
Most often used in American automobiles
12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size B:
Receptacle inside diameter: 21.41–21.51 mm (median 21.455 mm)
Plug body diameter: 21.13–21.33 mm (median 21.18 mm)
Most often used in European automobiles, and sometimes as a second socket in American automobiles expressly for DC power connections.

[sd_dracula]

I also have a usb charger that "does not work" in the front socket by the cup holders but just fine in the boot socket so the shape must be different.

[ducatijocki@gmail.com]

Had the same problem on my wife's 2021 330e xDrive. Radar detector would not seat deep enough to get power from the outlet forward of the shift lever. I used a bench grinder to reduce the diameter of the plug for the detector. It works perfectly now and it didn't cost me anything other than 5 minutes of my time.

[lewc]

I want to thank PP. Bought a new charger on Amazon. What genius equipped a new car with a 12 volt outlet which doesn't work with common chargers. BMW doesn't include a lighter. We're given a 12 volt accessory outlet. It's a shame its nonstandard

[REDBimmer36]

Just purchased a 2021 M4 Competition and with it an Escort IXc RD. Needless to say, the 12v socket does not work. Tried a number of adaptors. Gave up and I am am scheduled to get it hardwired. I cannot believe a car like this does not have a working 12v socket for accessories.

[alpinewhite3]

Update - i upgraded my radar detector to one of the newer Uniden units and it's charger actually fits and works perfectly.

I have an old adapter that works if anyone wants it. It's a clunky work around but it works.

[Arbitration]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Update - i upgraded my radar detector to one of the newer Uniden units and it's charger actually fits and works perfectly.

I have an old adapter that works if anyone wants it. It's a clunky work around but it works.

Curious, did this turn off when you turned your car off?

[RRoccoT]

Mine won't connect in the 12v receptacle between cup holders. So, plan to have it hard wired.

[RRoccoT]

I tried to have my radar detector hard wired...no way. Dealer tech advised they could do it by soldering a special panel somewhere in the connection. BUT at a cost of over $700.00. Alternative is the Traffic Camera Information system subscription available with BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system. First three months are free then $25 for next 15 months. Funny statement in a recent article states: "That would make BMW the first automaker to sell cars that both help drivers get—and avoid getting—speeding tickets."

[abalosa]

I had the same problem with my radar detector. I tried several other 12V plugins (12v to USB) in that socket, some of which worked as some other members have mentioned. I measured the voltage in the car socket and it was fine (about 13v which is normal). Then I noticed that the end of the radar detector plug was a little bigger than the adapters that worked.

It turns out that the socket in the car has a ridge down at the bottom which is about 16mm in diameter. If the end of your radar detector plug is bigger than this (mine was 18mm in diameter) it will not go all the way down to make contact with the socket. I filed down the end of my plug until it was able to go all the way down and it works now. It should also work in the previous car where you had it.

[abalosa]

Here's an update
The connection was not consistent so I looked at the shoulder below the tip of the plug. This was also too big so with a little more filing I was able to get a good connection every time. Compare this with my previous photo.

[njfoses]

Bring it back to a dealer and reference the SIB linked below. They should correct it.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...79818-9999.pdf

[TikiTourer]

There is no global standard for the plugs; .some work and some don't. Although I've never had the problem where front socket is a problem but others are ok.
Philips and Belkin seem to work fine...

[B58-M340iX]

I had this issue with my Escort Max 360. Dealer replaced the front 12v, and now it works without any problems. Hopefully, this helps someone else with a similar issue.

[whynotme]

Originally Posted by njfoses

Bring it back to a dealer and reference the SIB linked below. They should correct it.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...79818-9999.pdf

Old thread here, but I'm having this issue and this post has been very helpful. The dealer didn't know anything about it until I showed them this SIB. The socket is just too deep for standard adapters.

[whynotme]

Does anyone else have this issue? The front socket is too deep for normal adapters. Anyone find an adapter that works in this front socket?

[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by whynotme

Does anyone else have this issue? The front socket is too deep for normal adapters. Anyone find an adapter that works in this front socket?

BMW has a usb or dual usb plug for that outlet, I would try that, or buy the new screw as indicated a couple posts up and swap it yourself.

[whynotme]

Well, 3 hours later and the dealer still can't fix it. Very annoying.